I feel that way, too, Val! She's very drawn to our Bill, and he finds himself visiting her, chatting her up on the phone, or bumping into her in the market all the time. I do like her genetics, and I'm not really sure what to do about their "situation". He seems to like her, but she seems to want more. Hmmm...
Good to know about the kicking, Tina. I'm pretty sure I had Lolita Goth kick hers, and he didn't do anything cool. I haven't had anyone kick the new guys, and they're EVERYWHERE! If I'd have known they'd be this fun, I'd have done the story from their point of view!
Ahkman finished his call to Edith. He couldn't believe his luck. Gerard had left her! She's taken her half of the money from their vinyard in France, and bought herself a small home here in town! Her son is off at college, and she's completely on her own. Naima could say what she wanted, but clearly the Gods were working for his cause to lay this gift in his lap! He had one bit of business to finish here with Sookie, then he'd be on his way...
Sookie was still angry with Ahkman for what he did with Lin, but they'd made their peace. Ahkman promised to talk about his girlfriend back in Egypt, so that Sookie could understand what made him press Lin so hard. He'd said he was looking for a rebound relationship because his heart had been broken.
Ahkman began, "Her name is Nabila. Nabila Moussa. I'd loved her ever since I could remember. My family have always been adventurers, hunting for relics that belong to our country and were being raided and stolen by travellers from other lands. Nabila stayed in the village while I was always off on one adventure or another."
"Nabila grew angry that she could not accompany me on my quests. She did not understand that they were too dangerous. I loved her far too much to let anything happen to her. What made it worse was that I had a best friend who went on quests with me. Her name was Naima Hakim. Her family was like mine, recovering relics for our country to preserve our heritage. Other girls in the village were brought up to keep house and make babies. Naima was brought up to be an adventurer, and she was very skilled. Nabila couldn't understand why Naima could go but she herself could not."
"Nabila is the picture you keep on your nightstand?" Sookie asked.
"Yes. That is her. A true beauty, yes?" Ahkman's eyes closed as he thought of her.
"She is. I could understand her being jealous that Naima could go with you and she had to stay home." Sookie looked pointedly at Ahkman.
"She was not like you, Sookie. She was not brought up as Naima was. She could not fight, could not climb or tunnel, she could not survive if she were trapped in a tomb. She just did not have the skills, and her family would not let her train to get them. Believe me, I'd offered many times to teach her myself." Ahkman could see that he had appeased Sookie's sensibilities, so he continued his story.
"One day, while we were exploring a tomb, Naima decided to split up. We normally didn't do this, but since the tomb was so large, it seemed like the best way to explore it fully. She went into one chamber while I went into another. When she didn't meet me at the appointed meeting place, I backtracked and found her body floating in a diving pool. I carried her all the way back to the village, since I refused to let the tomb have her."
"Oh, Ahkman! That's terrible!" Sookie said. "You can't blame yourself for what happened to her!"
"Her family never blamed me, saying she lived as an explorer and died as one, working for the good of her country. But I always blamed myself for not staying together. Nabila thought that she would be able to take Naima's place, exploring tombs with me, but I forbade it. I would not lose another partner that way. I would only explore alone from then on, so I would only be responsible for myself. Nabila could not understand this, and convinced herself that I simply didn't think she could do it. This was the cause of all our fights."
"Ahkman, you can't let it end like this if you love her. Go back to Egypt. Bring her here. Away from her family, we can train her to help. You won't have to take her on every quest, but this way, she can come on some of the minor ones, and I bet that will make everything all right between you two."
"Sookie, you are wise. I will do this. It will take some time, and much preparation, but I will make it so. You are a good friend."
Ahkman did intend to do this, but it would take much more preparation than Sookie could guess. Luckily, Ahkman had been preparing for this the whole time. Assembling the things he needed was difficult, but not as difficult as getting his beloved Nabila out of Egypt would be. At least in her present state.
He tried to stop the pictures from coming into his mind, but they were there, always. Even though he wasn't there to see it happen, he was the one to find her.
Her family believed her dead. It was better that way. She was safer to slumber there amoung the pyramids. Once he could do what needed to be done, they could start a new life here. But for that to happen, sacrifices must be made...
He arrived at Edith's new house. She had a nice place here, complete with deep wince cellars, she'd told him. That would work out nicely. Perfect, in fact.
She waited for Ahkman on her front porch. Sookie had tried her best to make-over Edith, but there was only so much one could do.
Ahkman took her hands as she came down to meet him.
"Edith, you look wonderful! Look at this place! I can't wait to see it! Oh! And I brought a gift! I believe it's traditional to have a gnome in a new garden, is it not?" Ahkman gifted her with a group of gnomes he had found while travelling the world.
Edith blushed. No one had told her she looked wonderful in a long, long time. She couldn't believe he'd called her out of the blue like he did. Since they'd moved to America, she'd made no friends of her own except Sookie, and she was always either busy with her garden, or travelling the world. Could Ahkman possibly be interested in her? Edith pushed the thought away, grateful to have someone to talk to. And he even brought gifts? He was so thoughtful...
"Edith, I always thought he didn't deserve you. You've done for others all your life, now it's time to do things for yourself! Come, show me this house."
"You're too kind, Ahkman. Yes, I've been doing new things. Come. Let's put the gnomes in the garden and let me show you."
"I've gone to cooking class, like I've always wanted! I've learned so many new recipes! I'll whip up something special for you if you can stay. Are you in a hurry?"
"I'm not going anywhere, Edith. I'm all yours." Ahkman tried not to wince as the words came from his lips. This would be tricky. He had to lead her on without making it look that way. The whole thing must be her idea. He settled in while Edith talked about her lonely new life.
When she was finished, Edith launched herself at Ahkman in a death-grip hug.
"Thank you for coming, Ahkman! And for listening to me ramble on and on! And - Oh! I'm sorry! Look at me falling all over you!" Edith backed away quickly in embarassment, but Ahkman brought her back into the hug.
"Edith, I always thought you were wonderful. I was very jealous that Gerard had found someone as special as you, while I wander the world alone. But with the life I've chosen, it's just not fair to ask someone to belong only to me if I'm never home. That doesn't mean I can't appreciate you and keep your brightness in my life at all, does it?"
"Of course not!" Edith brought her hands to his face, and looked him in the eye. "Just as Gerard should not have expected me to give up my dreams to be with him, no one should expect you to give up yours. We all deserve love."
"Edith, you are not only beautiful, but wise as well. So tell me, since you haven't made many friends here yet, have you spoken with your old friends in France?" Ahkman had to know if she had anyone in her life who would notice her absence.
"You know, I thought about going back to France when Gerard left me. I travelled there, went to all the old places I used to go." Edith thought back to her brief trip home.
She travelled to her former home, but couldn't stand the sight of a new family, making changes to the things she'd made her own over the years, so she quickly moved on. She went to the markets, and saw familiar faces, but no one seemed to recognize her. Was she that forgetable?
Saddened, she went to the Nectarary. It was always her favorite place to go when she was blue. She sat, enjoying the nectar, watching the happy people passing her by. Instead of bringing her the peace and quiet she always enjoyed, she felt she no longer belonged here.
Edith decided she was done with France. America was her home now. She would make something of her life. She would do something important. She would MATTER.
She returned to the present, Ahkman standing before her. She poured them some vintage nectar that she'd brought back, to toast their friendship. Before long, they were drinking, talking, and laughing together. Edith couldn't remember when she'd had such a great time.
Ahkman tucked a stray hair behind Edith's ear, and the laughter stopped. "Edith, you are a remarkable woman. If I had more to offer you than always being away, or being buried in books while I'm home, I'd sweep you off of your feet right now."
"Well don't let me stop you! Remember, new life, no strings. Sweep away!" Edith gestured with her hand.
Ahkman began to sing an old Egyptian love song, and he knew right there he had her where he wanted her.
Soon, the song was over, and Ahkman found himself closer to Edith than he'd been before. He whispered in her ear, "Do you really mean that? No strings? I would never want to hurt you, Edith. I would never want to lead you on. There is no future with me, only the present. Is the present enough for you, Edith?"
She answered with a kiss. They kissed as though it might be the last kiss either would ever have. Ahkman grew tense, worrying if he could really go through with this.
"Ahkman, I would never tie you down. Live for the moment. We can be what the Americans call...'Friends with benefits'...You can see me when you can. If you meet someone else, you are free to do what you will, as am I. No strings. Don't stop now."
"If you're sure Edith, then we shall make love. Go, wait for me upstairs. I'll be right behind you."
As Edith climbed the stairs to the bedroom, Ahkman just made it to the bathroom before he was ill. The thought of what he was doing...This was not him. He would never do these things if he wasn't forced to.
He had to get a grip.
"What are you doing here?" He demanded of his reflection. His reflection had no answer for him. He could see the guilt in his own eyes, and knew if he was going to go through with this, that he needed to get control.
He imagined his exploring partner, Naima, telling him again that this was wrong. "Not like this." she'd told him.
Nonsense, he scolded himself. She told him nothing. He imagined everything in the cemetery back home. He imagined seeing her ghost, he imagined her words. He must get a grip and get in there.
When he was sure he had control, he cleaned up, and got back to work.
Edith was on the bed, in the process of talking herself out of what she was about to do. Then Ahkman walked in and looked at her with his dark, piercing eyes. She looked into those eyes, and there was no longer any question.
Suddenly, with the glow of the nectar worn off, the reality of what they'd just done hit them both. They shared an awkward silence, while trying to figure out what to say to each other. Ahkman knew he had to say the right thing here, or all would be lost.
"Edith, are you alright? I hope you don't look at this night as a mistake, because I certainly don't feel that way. I've imagined this night with you so many times, and the reality of it was so much more than I'd ever dreamed it could be. Please tell me you don't regret what we've done."
Edith broke into a huge smile, relieved. "I was afraid that it was you with regrets, and that I'd probably never see you again! This was just too right to ever be the wrong decision."
They kissed, both of them visibly relaxing again, but for very different reasons.
As they parted, Ahkman said, "I have a trip coming up - to Egypt this time. I have some studying to do before I leave."
"I understand." Edith said, dejectedly.
"I have the books in my backpack. Since we didn't get that meal you talked about last night, would it be too much to ask that I study here, and have a nice meal together with my new 'friend with benefits'?" Ahkman laughed.
Edith brightened immediately, "Yes! Oh, yes, Ahkman! That would be wonderful!"
Ahkman smiled at her, knowing his dark plan was going to work out exactly as he hoped.
They spent a wonderful day together. Ahkman studied his books while Edith prepared a wonderful breakfast of crepes. Asked they spoke over breakfast, she expressed interest in Ahkman's work. He told her the same story he told Bill and Sookie about what he did and why he did it. She encouraged him to go on, and he explained some of the types of relics he was hoping to find. Still curious, Ahkman gave her some of his books so she could learn about the relics and what the were. Together, they studied the day away, Edith taking breaks to cook for them.
Edith was completely taken with Ahkman's work. The relics fascinated her, and his research intrigued her. Some of the relics were said to have magical powers. How wonderful it would be to prove it was true! How IMPORTANT. That's it! Maybe Edith could help with this important research! Then she would really matter. She would MATTER to someone. Maybe to the world...
Soon, the skies began to darken. Night was drawing near once again. Ahkman seemed to be in no hurry to leave. They relaxed, sitting on Edith's porch, looking out at her garden.
"I have a surprise for you." Ahkman told her.
"Really? For me?" Edith asked, plesantly surprised.
"You learned today that some of the relics are said to be magical?"
"Yes, Ahkman! I find that thrilling, and I hope you can prove that it's true! I'll help you in any way that I can!"
Ahkman smiled, and pointed to the gnomes in the garden.
The American gnome was doing a smexy pose in the gardenias.
The French gnome was running off to hide in the grapevines.
"Ahkman! That is amazing! If I wasn't seeing it with my own eyes...I can hardly believe it!" Edith laughed with joy at this display of the possibility of magic in the world, and Ahkman drew her closer.
"There is much more magic than most are willing to see. It's magical to me that you can see it. I am so happy that I can share this with you, Edith. That you believe in my work, and in magic, and in us."
"And look at that sky. There's an example of magic that everyone can see every night. But do they realize the magic that makes up the universe? You see it, Edith. You see it, and that means the world to me. Come, it's getting late. Look at poor Sultan Sam there."
"Let's not disturb him. Let's get to bed. That is, if I can stay one more night. Can I stay, Edith?"
"OF COURSE you can stay, Ahkman! I know you live with Bill and Sookie, and they help with your work, but when you don't need to be there, please consider this your home. I'll get everything shut off and meet you upstairs." Edith left him with a kiss and headed inside.
Ahkman was glad for a moment alone before having to go up. One more night, and tomorrow he could leave for Egypt. He only had one more piece to collect to finish the first sarcophagus, and sadly, this was the one he needed to have first. He couldn't conduct his test without it.
He couldn't hope to complete the Blessed Sarcophagus of the Kings until...
He completed and tested the Cursed Sarcophagus of the Kings.
Yes, tomorrow it was back to Egypt to the tomb where he believed the missing piece was hiding. Tonight...well, tonight was waiting for him upstairs, just as important to his plan.
I was hoping there would be som cool, Martial Arts-type moves for that. 
Well, where is it? 
Maybe you need to be on a certain adventure to get them or something.
